ARA CEO Bryan Nye congratulated Premier Mike Baird and his NSW Coalition government on their win, before turning attention to the work ahead.

“Rail in Australia, in particular Sydney, is going through a renaissance, and with the growing demands on public transport networks and increase in population, it is critical that investment in new rolling stock, improved infrastructure and services continues,” said Nye.

“Under the Baird government’s leadership, the congested city of Sydney will continue to receive the vital infrastructure it needs to function efficiently as the nation’s economic powerhouse, with projects such as the second harbour rail crossing and the Western Sydney light rail project both part of the government’s plan.”

ARA last month released their key election wishlist, which signposted what they wanted to see with regards to rail infrastructure improvements in NSW.

“I am pleased to see that many of the Baird government’s election promises are in line with what the industry has prioritised and I look forward to seeing many of these projects and policies come to fruition,” said Nye.

Nye said he was also keen to direct the spotlight on to rail freight, an area he said he felt was of vital importance in the coming years.

“I would like to reiterate the importance of stronger support from government for rail freight, in particular infrastructure investment for long and short haul rail in the state’s mining and agriculture industries and continuing the act on the commitments outlined in the NSW Freight and Ports Strategy.”

The CEO also spoke of the trickle-down effect these major works should have.

“I hope that through this injection of funding into rail, we also see the benefit brought to the local manufacturing industry with a strong focus on stimulating the local economy and in turn creating jobs and a stronger future for rail manufacturing in Australia,” Nye said.

The ARA dates back to the 1890s, when it was known as the Australian and New Zealand Railway Commissioners. In November 1994, it assumed its current title when it was incorporated within the Victorian Associations Incorporation Act.